From Wrong Number to Family: How a Text Message Created a Thanksgiving Tradition

Back in 2016, Arizona grandma Wanda Dench sent what she thought was a routine text to her grandson about Thanksgiving dinner plans. Little did she know this simple message would start a heartwarming tradition that continues to this day.

The Mix-up That Started It All

Wanda didn't realize her grandson had recently changed his phone number. Her Thanksgiving dinner invitation landed instead in the inbox of 17-year-old Jamal Hinton, who was understandably confused about receiving a dinner invite from an unknown grandmother.

To sort out the confusion, Jamal and Wanda exchanged photos. The pictures confirmed what they suspected - they were complete strangers. But what happened next was unexpected. Jamal asked if he could still come to dinner, despite the mix-up.

Without a moment's hesitation, Wanda welcomed him. Her warm response opened the door to not just a meal, but a lasting bond.

Strangers to Family

Jamal attended that first dinner, which marked the beginning of both a new family tradition and an unbreakable friendship. Eight years later, they're still celebrating Thanksgiving together.

Over the years, their connection has grown deeper. Jamal now considers Wanda his "other grandma." They've supported each other through both happy and difficult times over nearly a decade.

Through Good Times and Bad

Their friendship has weathered significant challenges. In 2020, they faced a profound loss when Wanda's husband Lonnie passed away. Their Thanksgiving gatherings now serve a dual purpose - they honor Lonnie's memory while celebrating how strangers can become family.

Opening Their Table to Others

For their eighth Thanksgiving together, Wanda and Jamal decided to expand their tradition. This year, they rented a house and offered seats at their table to others in the area who might not have a place to go for the holiday.

Wanda welcomed the first few people who RSVP'd, inviting more strangers to potentially become part of their extended family. Their story shows how a simple misunderstanding can lead to beautiful, lasting connections.

Their annual tradition reminds us that family isn't always about blood relations - sometimes it's about the people who come into our lives unexpectedly and choose to stay.